Seasonal Tips - Summer

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BBQ Safety Tips

1. Keep your BBQ grill clean and free of grease buildups. Accumulated grease deposits can catch on fire, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by just in case.
2. Gas Grills clean the venturi tubes on gas grills regularly. Insects love to build nests in these tubes, causing blockages and making the grill hard to start, or worse, forcing the gas to find somewhere else to go. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
3. Never start a gas grill with the lid closed. The propane or natural gas may accumulate inside, and when ignited, it could blow the lid off rather dramatically. In addition, don’t lean over the top of a grill as you’re lighting it.
4. Never wear loose clothing that might catch fire if the flames suddenly flare up. If your clothes do catch on fire. Drop to the ground and roll. This will help smother the flames before they can cause serious injury.
5. Never use a flammable liquid other than barbecue starter fluid to start your grill or smoker. Gasoline, paint thinner and other petroleum products are not designed to start grills. They burn explosively, and release toxins that may taint your food and could cause you serious injury.
6. When using starter fluid, place the container well away from the grill before attempting to light it. Always make sure you do not spill any on your clothes, the grass, or the deck.
7. Although decks are popular places to bar-b-que, be aware that leaves, dry grass, and other combustible materials collect under them. If a smoldering match is dropped between the boards, it may ignite these materials and the deck. If your deck is close to, or attached to your home, this could present a very serious fire hazard.
8. Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home. Propane, gasoline, and any other flammable liquids and gases should be stored in regulation containers away from potential sources of flame such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces.
9. Always shut off the valve to propane tanks when not in use.
10. Always shut off the dampers on you grill or smoker when not in use.
11. Never leave a hot grill unattended. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
12. NEVER, NEVER add liquid starter to hot or even warm coals. If your coals are going out open all the vents then use a hair dryer to blow on the coals or fan the coals with a newspaper.
13. Wear an insulated fire retardant BBQ mitt and use long handled tools designed for the BBQ.

 Be safe and enjoy your BBQ.